Site 6: Mbita Point (Feb 1st – 7th)

We arrived at our second ICIPE (International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology) accommodation in Mbita, Kenya on Sunday February 1^st 2015. The compound was full of beautiful trees, lush green landscape, flowers, and of course abundance of insects. It was nice to know we would spend our exam cram period at this beautiful accommodation (with wifi connection)!

            The Natural History class spent the first couple days working on our class assignments and studying for our upcoming exam. Don’t worry, we all pulled through in the end! It was so nice and quite a change to spend the week studying by the lake instead of in the library in Montreal with -30 degrees Celsius weather outside. For the first full day at ICIPE, the Ethnobotany class woke up early and visited a local Mbita port where they had the chance to see the fishermens’ normal morning routine. Unfortunately because it was nearly a full moon, the fish were not as active and the port was much quieter than usual. The following day Ethnobotany class visited a shamba, a local farm, where they indulged in fresh watermelon, courtesy of the farmer and his machete.

            On Wednesday, February 4^th both classes had their final exams, and all the students were busy memorizing the Latin names of all the frog species in Africa or writing about the pros and cons of Ethnobotany to address world issues. Fortunately for us, studying in Mbita could be done while tanning by Lake Victoria and watching the sunset.

            Our health module comprised our last two days in Mbita, a relevant topic considering the high prevalence of HIV/AIDs and malaria in the Suba District (the highest infection rate of HIV/AIDs in Kenya, and a high-risk malaria zone). During this time Dr. Sawa and Dr. Geddes, two guest lecturers, shared with us their extensive experience with health issues relevant to Mbita. On the first day, we had the opportunity to visit Kananya Little Stars School, Tom MBoya Health Clinic and Badilisha Permaculture farm. At Kananya Little Stars School, students visited the classrooms and felt truly inspired by the energy of the students. People who visited Tom Mboya Health Clinic had a chance to see first hand the challenges facing many health centers in East Africa. For instance, the clinic did not have running water and was both understaffed and undersupplied. Despite these obstacles the clinic seemed to properly address the community’s needs and the clinical officer was extremely welcoming. Students who visited Badilisha were enlightened by the innovative methods of Permaculture (sustainable, organic farming).

            On the second day of the health module, students visited either the Mbita Hospital or had a discussion with the Community Health Workers. In comparison to the health clinic we had visited the day before, the Mbita Hospital was impressively equipped with staff and supplies. However, we were surprised by the fact that there was only one practicing physician on the premises. Students who opted to engage with Community Health Workers met with an inspiring group of men and women who dedicate much of their time to addressing the health needs of various communities without compensation. Later that day all of the students regrouped with a panel of individuals who were peer educators, and some personally living with HIV/AIDs. We were privileged to hear about each of their journeys and how they had become involved with HIV/Aids awareness. Overall this week in Mbita was intensive and demanding, but also a rewarding experience.